There are two powerful symbols used to describe the presence of the Holy Spirit in today’s First Reading. The Spirit is described as a strong driving wind, and as tongues of fire on the heads of the disciples. These images remind us that the Spirit is not something we can control: it burns and blows where it will, as it guides the church towards salvation.
It can be difficult to understand the ways that the Spirit is at work in our lives. It can also be difficult to trust in the Spirit’s guidance, especially when we are led to do things that we don’t understand. When we trust in the Spirit, however, we often find that our lives are easier than they are when we insist on going about things in our own way. Living a life of trust in the power of the Holy Spirit allows our hearts to be on fire for Christ and enables us to fulfill our mission of forming disciples of Jesus.
As we celebrate this Solemnity of Pentecost, I wish to share with you some news regarding our Family of Parishes. As you know, Fr. Maurice has been on an extended medical leave since March of 2021, as he has worked to address the effects of long COVID. Fr. Maurice has determined that he is unable to return to the role of Pastor of our Family of Parishes. As a result, Fr, Maurice has accepted an appointment as Associate Pastor of our Family of Parishes. This will enable him to continue to serve the people of our Parishes, while also giving him the space he needs to continue to focus on his recovery. This also means that I will continue to serve as the Administrator of our Family of Parishes. Even though I do not have the title of “Pastor”, I will function as the Pastor, and will continue to lead our Family of Parishes, as I have been since I was appointed administrator in March of 2021.
There is one other change that will also affect our Family of Parishes. The leadership of the Diocese has elected to appoint Fr. Christian Amogu as the Associate Pastor of the West Middlesex Catholic Family of Parishes, based in Strathroy, ON, effective July 4, 2022. While this news is surprising, it is a reminder to us to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I want to thank Fr. Christian for his service to our Family of Parishes and wish him well in his new assignment. The Diocese has also announced that Fr. Tony Del Ciancio has been appointed Associate Pastor of our Family of Parishes, also effective July 4, 2022. Fr. Tony was most recently Pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Windsor. I look forward to welcoming Fr. Tony to our staff. Please keep all of us in your prayers during this time of transition.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB